Photographer's Note

I had only a few seconds and one chance to capture an image at this part of Ermou Street in the centre of Athens since my friends had already moved ahead (in the opposite direction) and were waiting for me again. I had observed the long shadows gliding behind the passers by and tried a shot. The colours were pale but ok, the glowing sky made me opt for a monochrome presentation, I accidentaly came up with this tint and decided to keep it. After the monochrome treatment the people directly touched by the light seemed to wear halos:)

From Wikipedia:

Ermou Street
(Greek: Οδός Ερμού, Odos Ermou, "Hermes Street"), is a one and a half kilometer-long road in central Athens, Greece, connecting Kerameikos archaeological site with the Syntagma Square through Monastiraki, Psiri and Thiseio. [...]
It consists of three sections: The east (from Filellinon Street to Aiolou Street, app. 700m long) which is a pedestrian zone and the city's best-known and busiest shopping street.

The Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea
(Greek: Εκκλησία της Παναγίας Καπνικαρέας) or just Kapnikarea (Greek: Καπνικαρέα) is a Greek Orthodox church and one of the oldest churches in Athens.
It is estimated that the church was built some time in the 11th century, perhaps around 1050. As it was common with the early Christian churches, this was built over an ancient Greek pagan temple dedicated to the worship of a goddess, possibly Athena or Demeter.

Well-framed and composed shot. Good use of the counter-light to capture that shadow. The position of the woman is perfect too. Although I'm not too crazy about the cool blue, monochrome is defintely a good idea. (So I think I'd have gone for straight bl/w.)

Hello Ourania,
Great pp work to produce this highly atmospheric composition. Love the light and the long shadows. The girl walking down the road is well placed, making a good anchor point before the eyes go on to take in the rest of the scene. The image has a good range of tones and excellent clarity. I like it very much, one of my favourites from your gallery.

Hello Ourania - This is special; love the square framing and the whole composition and construction of this shot.You have managed the light really well and have captured some delightful little highlights; the sun shining through the flap of the girl's cardigan is one of them. The blue toning works well too! Nice job. Warm regards Rosemary

And how appropriate that they should be wearing halos - they all appear to be walking towards and about to enter the church!

The strong backlighting (or contre jour as we say in English!) is absolutely magical and I can see why you were attracted by the long shadows following the figures around this fine scene.

You have managed the light superbly well - we see the bright reflections off the cobblestones of the street but they are not overexposed and they still reveal lots of their detail. Equally, despite the frontage of the church being shaded, we can still see all the glorious details of it too. And each of the people throughout the picture can still be clearly defined.

Your conversion to black and white was a wise one, I think, and the slight bluish tint is absolutely delightful and does, in my opinion, enhance the picture. Wonderful light management, lovely strong contrasts and amazing details and sharpness.

I am personal no big fan of black and white, I've to much year have to work in black and white.
Maybe one advice, place always as second picture the colour version.
Of course this is an choice of the photographer.
Notwithstanding is this snapshot excellent made, a little bit difficult with back light, but a nice perspective picture.
Composition and presentation are pleasant.
Very well done, TFS.

You described a situation every photographer encounter, Ourania, you can't take pictures with a group... but I always manage...
The choice of a B&W is fine here, there was a side-light that would disturb a colors version, I assume.
Nice movement detected with the young ladies and man work on left-side, woman with dogs culd be included on right, and view of the church and houses down the street.
Kalispera,
Ike

You had one chance and you made the most of it! And shooting against the sun is very difficult but you did a wonderful job with this especially in B&W. I do like the effect of the long shadows and using the shadow of the building to bring about an awesome backlighting. Well done, tfs.

Hello Ourania,
First and foremost this is a very well exposed photo. The contrasts are strong, but nothing that should be visible is lost in the dark areas and nothing is overexposed. In fact the halos seem to lift people (and dogs) out of the shade and make them more prominent. Then regarding the composition I really like this view towards the old church, which just like others I have seen from those times is being dwarfed by the modern buildings. Generally this photo has a very pleasant atmosphere of summer - bright sunshine and no thick clothes.
Kind regards,
Gert

hi Ourania,
a lovely picture, the frame is divided in a very interesting and pleasing way between sunshine and shade, both superb. clarity of moving people is perfect. stunning monochrome presentation, my compliments and tfs.
cheers,
ayfer

Good evening.
Good article on the street and the church ...
A nice view of the street with the missus and the old church ...
A good time recording, perspective, and contrast.
Good composition, nice place and time indicated.
Beautiful street and church.
Good evening and all the best.
Paja.

Hello dear Ourania,
Nice capture from Athens. Good to use the b&w mode, as this part of Athens does not have much colors (besides the bright orange domes of the church) . Many interesting notes.
TFS and have a nice evening
MESUT ILGIM

Hello Ourania
Nice choice of (tinted) monochrome. The scene is well composed, and as you say, the rim-light on the figures' heads and shoulders makes them stand out from the background. As usual, it's the light that makes the photograph!
Regards
Will

Hi Ourania
Enjoyed the shot of extremely bright angled light and strong shadows creating striking contrast with the halo on the profile figs. It's nicely composed with perfect placement and sharp focus with stunning back lighting effect. But, I feel that some of the top portion be cropped thus full focus is concentrated on the main subject. It's a nice catch and creative nevertherless, Well done.
Kind regards

Hi Ourania!
The light really makes all the difference here - the pavement, the people, the long shadows... You captured the moment very well, with the woman so well placed and the church in background.
The colour seems also a good option - it works well this way!

Hello Ourania,
Great daily life shot.. Like the color tone of the image.. Also superb composition and perspective.. Superb image quality too.. Very well done..
Have a nice day and wish you all the best..
Warm regards,
Indrasish..

Hello Ourania,
I´ve discovered this masterpiece yesterday in your galery and it attracted mym attention immediately.
It´s not only unique,beautiful architecture that makes this shot.It´s more the light and so unique mood you were able to create thanks to it.I´m really delighted how you´ve coped with it and how the light reflects in the cobblestones(fabulous effect!).And finally your conversion and treatment in monochrome-Perfect!and in this case definitely much better than color version.